1. Make sure you are dressed well and presentable even when you’re not stepping out. This will teach  them hygiene and cleanliness and that it has nothing to do with going out!

2. When entering the house greet your children with smile and kisses. This will help develop sense of love and mercy in them.

3. Avoid talking ill about other people in their presence, children listen, absorb and emulate.

4. When calling your parents, encourage your children to speak to them. Take them along when you visit your parents. The more they see you take care of your parents the more they will learn to take care of you.

5. When driving with them don’t always play music, rather, tell them the stories or listen to theirs. This will strengthen your bonds. 

6. Read them a short story everyday, it doesn’t take much time, but will develop love for reading in them and create wonderful memories.

7. Refrain from criticising everything they say or do. Try to overlook and let go sometimes. This certainly builds their self-confidence.

8. Ask your children’s permission before entering their rooms. They will learn to do the same when wanting to enter your room.

9. Apologize to your kids if you made a mistake. Apologizing teaches them to be humble.

10. Don’t be sarcastic or jeer at them, even if you “didn’t mean it” and “only joking”. It hurts them.

11. Don’t hesitate to reprimand and never say “Oh he’s only a child” No! This is the time to learn. If they don’t learn now, they never will.

12. Teach them patience and gratefulness. Don’t give them everything they ask, even if you can afford them, teach them to say ‘Thank you’. 

Also read: 10 parenting strategies to reduce children’s pandemic stress